Jerusalem – Mitchell's thoughts, photos, etc.

New York, New York, or the Middle of the Desert

You can be Isolated and in the Midst of It All – Get the Balance Right

By Mitchell Slepian

World’s Fair Globe, Flushing Meadows–Corona Park

No, I am not writing about Ol’ Blue Eyes. Or quoting from Depeche Mode. (But I do want to hear his version of “New York, New York” played after every game at Yankee Stadium during 2026). The Big Apple is one of the world’s most photogenic cities. Yes, there are plenty of others, for example, Belfast, Jerusalem, Moscow, Milan, Reykjavik and Tel Aviv. What I love about New York City is that nowhere else can you find Broadway, the Brooklyn Bridge, Coney Island, the East and Hudson Rivers, the Staten Island Ferry, Yankee Stadium, and the World’s Fair Globe. And more. Much more.

Cell Tower Outside Brooklyn Botanic Garden

New York offers places where you can feel the big-city madness. Or areas where you can feel the quiet and almost feel isolation. When I say isolation, I do not mean the Joy Division tune. I am thinking about being at the Brooklyn (BBG) or New York Botanic Gardens, William H. Pouch Scout Camp, or just being in your own world while cruising along Museum Mile. NYC offers isolation and madness.

The joy of being in the “isolation”(Joy Division was running through my head) of NYC, or let’s be honest, any other major city, is the things that pop up on your travels. As I was walking through the Fall Harbor Fest at BBG, I looked up and saw a cell tower. A few feet away, I watched a squirrel around some dying flowers. It’s that time of year. Next to the flowers was a trash can. I remember seeing cell towers driving through Death Valley and along the Italian lakes.

Let’s face they are everywhere. We cannot survive without our Wi-Fi. In many ways, seeing them and the trash cans keeps it in perspective. You can enjoy your isolation or privacy. But know you are when you are in the middle of beautiful gardens or national parks and communing with nature, you can easily text your friends, check the baseball scores, or listen to Depeche Mode on Apple Music on your iPhone. And toss out your trash. NYC provides the perfect place to do it all. It’s just important to remember to stay balanced in your adventures and take it all in.

The Drop on the Cyclone, Luna Park, Brooklyn, NY

Passover in the Old City

Jen was so excited about her upcoming wedding. But before the tied her vows she had to celebrate Pesach. She asked her grandmother to help her make a Seder at her house for the whole family and Jake’s family. Jen hoped as their married life progressed they would host plenty of holiday dinners. She was an okay cook. But grandma was better.

She was especially looking forward to living in the Sukkah with Jake in the fall. She loved that holiday. Sometimes she wished she could live in her Sukkah year round.

The family had a wonderful time at her Seder. She purchased all of her food from the Kart.

Meanwhile, Anat was in tears that her grandmother was gone for several years and her special Seders were over. She didn’t have anywhere to go. Her parents never tried to carry on the Seders. And they probably would have yelled at her all night. So she cried and cooked for herself. She never had anywhere to go. It hurt when she heard all of her coworkers talk about their Pesach and Easter plans. She knew a loving family and friends weren’t meant for her. Why this happened made up her four questions.

Alana and Marc were together as usual in the Old City. Marc finished praying at the Kotel. Then the two of them just sat there clueless before walking to their rabbi’s for the Seder. The two still were never sure of their relationship.

Tzipora went to Eran’s parents for the Seder. He was going to her family the next day. On the way, she told him about her lifestyle. Eran was shocked. But not upset. He took it maturely. He said he accepted her. And would only be upset if she went with another guy.

Marc and Alana got up and decided it was time to go to the Seder. They weren’t late. They were never late for anything. They were taking in the beauty of the Old City. They heard a small child crying and ran toward her. She was all alone. She needed her parents. They asked her a few questions. She just sobbed.

Marc and Alana didn’t want her to be alone. They asked her where her Seder was. She said in the Old City at her Aunt Miriam’s house. That didn’t help them. The girl jumped onto Alana. A tear fell from Alana’s eye. She always wanted a little girl to dress in all black. Maybe not the best image for a cute little baby. But that is Alana. She held her. The girl stopped crying and asked if she could help them find Aunt Miriam’s house.

Naturally, Marc and Alana said, yes.

Marc’s spiritual connection

Marc’s rabbi called. He carefully listened to every word he said. He went on to discuss in detail bringing barley to the temple on Pesach, Maimonides’ notes about honey aiding one’s memory. Marc took a deep breath. The rabbi then went on to discuss the meanings behind the pomegranates at a Sephardic Rosh Hashanah meal, its symbolism of fertility and love, its placement on ancient Judean coins and the 613 seeds they contain.

The rabbi seemed to think Marc, who is a very spiritual person, was having a great connection to the Holy Land and the Torah. He urged him to continue his studies.

The rabbi instructed him to read certain Tehillim portions each morning and to touch base in a few weeks. Marc knew his mission. Marc promised the rabbi he would only use his powers for good.

Now as for that fertility and love portion, he well you know, texted Alana.